AAA offers tips to save at the gas pump

By Paul Vold kkin@rjbroadcasting.com (3/2/22)

(Minnesota) — With gas prices rising as we go toward the spring and preparing for a busy travel season, AAA notes personal driving habits are the single biggest factor that affects vehicle fuel consumption. 

AAA is offering a handful of tips including:

• When buying a car, look for models that offer the best fuel economy in their class. For most drivers, an optional larger and/or more-powerful engine is unnecessary.
• Keep tires properly inflated. Under inflation reduces fuel economy, but more importantly, tires low on air degrade handling and braking, wear more rapidly and can overheat and blowout.
• Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.
• Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
• Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in winter. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
• Accelerate smoothly with light to moderate throttle. This allows the automatic transmission to upshift into higher gears sooner, reducing engine rpm and saving fuel.
• Use cruise control to help maintain a constant speed; however, never use cruise control on slippery roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
• Plan ahead to accomplish multiple errands in one trip, and whenever possible travel outside high-traffic times of day.
• Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car. It takes more fuel to accelerate a heavier car, and the reduction in fuel economy is greater for small cars than larger models.
• Don’t purchase costly high-octane or “premium” gas unless required for your vehicle. AAA research has found that unless premium fuel is recommended or required by your car’s manufacturer, it provides no added benefit.
• Take advantage of loyalty programs such as AAA’s Fuel Rewards program at Shell stations. Some stations also provide a discount for paying with cash instead of credit card.